WCHA Press Releases

Three alumni from the Class of 2016 among those selected by
Canadian Women's Hockey League franchises.

EDINA, Minn. – Aug. 22, 2016 – Four players with ties to the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) Women's League – including three who skated during the 2015-16 season – will have the opportunity to play professionally after being chosen in the Aug. 22 Canadian Women's Hockey League (CWHL) Entry Draft.

Former Minnesota Duluth forward Michela Cava, who led the Bulldogs with 19 goals in 2015-16, was the first WCHA player chosen when she went to the Toronto Furies with their third round choice (12th overall pick). With their second selection of the fourth round (18th overall pick), the Brampton Thunder chose Bemidji State product Kaitlyn Tougas, who led the Beavers with 21 assists and 29 points last season. Toronto nabbed their second and third WCHA selections in the sixth and eighth rounds, respectively, selecting former Ohio State forward Danielle Gagne (146 games for the Buckeyes between 2011-15) with the 27th overall pick and 2015-16 St. Cloud State captain Vanessa Spataro with the 37th overall pick.

"To have four players selected in the CWHL Entry Draft is a testament to the top-level talent and dedication of WCHA student-athletes, and the development they receive at our institutions," said WCHA Women's League Commissioner Katie Million. "We are extremely excited for these women as they embark on their professional careers in the sport they love. We proudly look forward to watching our WCHA alumni compete during the upcoming CWHL season."